12 women, including 5 minors rescued from alleged sex trafficking in Cavite

Authorities rescued at least 12 female victims, including five minors, of alleged online sex trafficking in General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite.

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras," five of the rescued female victims aged 15 to 17.

The National Bureau Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division arrested the alleged pimp, who was identified as Rodel Miranda.

The NBI said they noticed the activity of the suspect on the internet as he uses social media to "market" the victims.

“Nagbibigay sila ng parang sample, picture, yung mga nude pictures at pipili yung mga kliyente kung ano ang gusto nila doon. From there yung iba pinaparampa pagnagustuhan ng kliyente pipili sila, ito sa amin,” NBI Cybercrime Division chief Atty. Jeremy Lotoc said.

The suspect did not deny the allegations, adding that his clients come from Los Baños, Bulacan, and Metro Manila. The 12 women, meanwhile, 

“Depende sa site kung anong klase, magmamarket ka roon tapos pag-okay na yung usapan, okay na yung deal ninyo kung hindi meet up place, pick up. Minsan po sila yung dumadayo, minsan doon sa hotel pero madalas po kami dumadayo talaga,” Miranda said.

According to the NBI, there are authorities behind this kind of exploitation.

“There are who are in the authorities behind this kind of exploitation. We have to send a message that is, "We are here, we are watching you,” Lotoc said.

The suspects will face charges in violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. The 12 women, meanwhile, are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA Integrated News